It’s the old story of commerce versus compassion in the Land of Enchantment. Less than a week after adult-use marijuana sales started in New Mexico, some medical marijuana patients say they’re now having to pay a lot more for their medicine.
“One big change with a lot of the dispensaries was an increase in the price of products across the board,” patient Jason Barker, told KOB 4.
Barker is a medical cannabis patient and advocate. Since the start of adult-use sales last Friday, Barker noticed the price of his medicine skyrocket. ”I’ve seen products just literally double in price.”
Barker says he also noticed long lines at dispensaries.
New Mexico Agencies Say They Can’t Regulate Marijuana Prices
KOB 4 asked the New Mexico Cannabis Control Division and the Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Program for a response. The agencies said they cannot regulate marijuana prices.
They also said their numbers don’t match Barker’s experience. According to the state’s numbers, on March 29 – before recreational cannabis sales started — the average sales price per item was $22.04. On April 5 – five days after recreational sales started – it dropped to $20.70.
“The Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program and the Regulations and Licensing Department Cannabis Control Division can report that statewide data show that average medical prices have actually gone down by over 6% since adult-use sales started on Friday.”
“Overall cannabis retailers are taking their responsibility to serve patients seriously,” the agencies’ joint statement reads.
New Mexico requires the marijuana industry to reserve 20% of its products for patients.
